I think this is a great idea since it would reduce environmental pollution and the consumtion of fossil fuels (both oils and coal)and needs to be adopted nationally; already some of the biggest companies have taken this initiative eg Westfarmers in its Bunnings stores and its Target stores(where people can purchase them); we'll soon see this in its Coles stores as well IMO.
It is only when people have to pay for something that they become more responsible about their use; it eg in the case of plastic bags, if they have the choice of paying for them or bringing their own, they will either find a reusable alternative or cut down on the number they have to buy and use. This way the cost rests with the consumer and is thus fairer. ATM the company incorporates the cost of the bags into their overheads and then adds it in to the price of goods which ALL THEN HAVE TO PAY,even those who do the right thing and bring their own bags!
cheers Birdseye
Here is the full article from the Australian yesterday:
Move for WA ban on plastic bags
January 2, 2010 - 8:04PM
Plastic shopping bags would be banned in Western Australia under a plan to be tabled when parliament resumes in Perth in February.
Opposition environment spokeswoman Sally Talbot on Saturday announced she would introduce a private member's bill to ban plastic shopping bags, of which it is estimated some 400 million are used in the state each year.
"Only about three per cent are recycled. The rest end up either in our environment or in landfill," Dr Talbot said in a statement.
Despite much talk of a national ban on plastic shopping bags, there has been no country-wide agreement.
Dr Talbot said it was time for West Australia to take a stand and follow the example set by states such as South Australia where a ban is already in place.
"Several WA councils and communities including Albany and Fremantle have moved to eliminate plastic bag use and there is wide support for a ban from all round Western Australia," she said.
"Nobody is in any doubt that plastic bags cause environmental damage."
